Perspectives on where our world is heading from a vantage point in Denver, Colorado.

14 July 2006

Kent Hovind Arrested

Kent Hovind, a leading Florida creationist, known as "Dr. Dino" has been arrested on federal charges including tax evasion and threatening investigators. He wife Jo was charged with evading bank reporting requirements.

This is hardly the first of his legal troubles.

Kent Hovind, who often calls himself "Dr. Dino," has been sparring with the IRS for at least 17 years on his claims that he is employed by God, receives no income, has no expenses and owns no property.

"The debtor apparently maintains that as a minister of God, everything he owns belongs to God and he is not subject to paying taxes to the United States on money he receives for doing God's work," U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Lewis Killian Jr. wrote when he dismissed a claim from Hovind in 1996. . . . [A] grand jury alleges that Kent Hovind failed to pay $473,818 in federal income, Social Security and Medicare taxes on employees at his Creation Science Evangelism/Ministry between March 31, 2001, and Jan. 31, 2004. . . .

Among the ways he is accused of doing:

* Filing a frivolous lawsuit against the agency demanding damages for criminal trespass.

* Filing an injunction against an IRS special agent.

* Filing false complaints against the IRS for false arrest, excessive use of force and theft.

* Making threats against investigators and those cooperating with the investigation. . . .

Over Kent Hovind's protests, the judge took away his passport and guns Hovind claimed belonged to his church. . . . .

In April, Circuit Judge Michael Allen ordered the buildings at Dinosaur Adventure Land closed because Hovind failed to obtain a building permit during the 2002 construction. The outdoor theme park was allowed to stay open.

Members of Creation Science Evangelism said at the time that building permits violated their "deeply held" religious beliefs.

While the building permit case was tied up in a four-year court battle, ownership of the theme park was turned over to Glen Stoll, who works with Hovind on legal issues and is based in Washington.

Last year, the U.S. attorney in Seattle filed a lawsuit against Stoll, charging him with encouraging people to avoid tax payments by claiming to be religious entities, according to news reports.

47 comments:

No, in short, our government and their cowardly and unconstitutional "agencies" are crooks working for the true enemy Satan. Fortunately, if they put Dr. Hovind in prison, he can continue his mission work there. When you work for God, he will place you right where he wants you to be. We'll be praying for you Bro. Hovind!!!!!!!!

Hovind should use insanity as a defense. After all, anyone who believes t-rex used its teeth to pluck fruit from trees and gently grind them up could be termed insane.

Hovind and his ilk also believe in a literal Noah flood. Let's spell this out: they believe penguins and polar bears held hands and skipped out of the Arctic down to the Noah-barge and were stored by divinely refrigerated ancient Mesopotamian Arctic animal pens that ran on God juice I guess.

Oh and lets not forget Kangaroos. These guys swam the Indian Ocean to get to the ark in the Middle East! And according to some of these creationist people, they were baby kangaroos!

Let's not forget the extremely localized species too such as poison dart frogs. These guys hippedy-hopped across the Atlantic, through the Sahara desert (since amphibians are wonderfully adapted to desert clime!) and right into Noah's lap!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Case in point - literal creationists are insane, mentally unstable, and in Hovind's case, criminally dishonest.

I won't call him "Dr", I don't believe he is. I have been following his "preaching" for years. I have watched many of his videos. I have read a lot of what he has written, and I have always thought that the man was a bit loony. It amazes me that he has such a loyal following. I don't always trust the government but in this case I think they got their man. I feel sorry for his kids though, having been brainwashed since they were born.

Having personal experience with Hovind and his ministry...yes, he is a crook and a bad representation of Christianity. He also threatened me to try and silence me. Hovind is not a true minister of Jesus...not only is he a crook but he's a wolf in sheep's clothing!!

Whats wrong with you people? Hovind's main goal was to fulfill what the Lord wanted in the first place and that to save souls from the burning Hell. Creationism is his hobby. He loves science and dinosaurs...he just wanted to put them together somehow. So yeah you can sit there on your hineys and talk all the bad you want (it aint gonna do nothing) but Im 100% with Hovind...plus who are you to say that he did something wrong? He has his side of the story maybe you should try to understand it.

And about the flood. You are thinking what is going on today...in the past. Does the bible EVER mention snow or rain before Noahs flood? Thats one reason why Hovind theory is correct. So do your research buddy.

Bottom line, Hovind proved evolution is for FOOLS, pointed out all its FOOLish mistakes. God made man in his own image, if u think we came from apes thats blasphemy and one day you WILL confess on your knees Jesus is Lord.

Hovind is dead wrong in not paying taxes. First of all it's not his money, it's Gods. He's standing up against the government for something so stupid!! It's not like their burning christians alive or anything. Give to ceaser what is his. Who Cares??? Hovind quit being an idiot and start doing what you do best, Win people to jesus!!!!!!! Stop fighting the government over money!!! We all pay taxes. Pay the money, God will always give you what you need. What's the big deal in getting a building permit??? This is something so stupid to take a stand over. I use to support Mr. Hovind, but he has shown that he doesn't care about winning souls, he cares about making a stupid point that will win no one to Jesus. How sad :(

Kent Hovind conducts the most popular broadcast on Truth Radio. October 17 begins a Federal Court trial in Pensacola, Florida. If you trust the IRS, you will root for them to convict Dr. Hovind. If you favor justice, however, you will be praying for victory for Hovind and his Creation Ministry.

Here is what Dr. Hovind writes about how all this started.

People who love truth need to know that the IRS has gone through other grand juries that saw the facts and refused to indict me so the IRS called a “secret” (I think the IRS calls it a ‘special’) grand jury just to get me. No witnesses were called for our side. Even when they got the “indictment” notice the IRS did not simply call me to come in or send a $.37 letter. No, they brought in a swat team to drag my sick wife out of bed and handcuffed her in her nightgown. They refused to let her get dressed, put on a robe or even go to the bathroom even though she begged for these simple courtesies. The agents rushed her and I into a squad car then into a freezing cell for 3 hrs! The fact that judges and local sheriffs and even juries blindly assist the IRS in breaking the law is no marvel since they fear the IRS’s Gestapo style tactics as well. (See www.sceblogs.com for the full story.)

Doesn't it make you proud to live in a FREE land where the police are FREE to come with the IRS in the dark hours of the morning and FREEly take people from their beds? When I was a child my mother told me of the horror stories coming out of Germany. She said, "Over there, they can come and knock on your door and take the man of the house away, and his family never sees him again." Are we soon going to see this kind of "law enforcement" in the United States?

Most americans have several credit cards and use those plasticcards to buy material things to satisfy their needs and desires.... BUT NOT ALL CREDIT CARD HOLDERS CAN PAY THEIR CREDIT CARD BILLS AND THOSE BILLS ACCUMULATE OVER THE YEARS... THEN THEY APPLY FOR BANKRUPTCY... THEN THE COURT NODS AND APPROVE THEIR APPLICATION FOR BANKRUPTCY AFTER SPENDING HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS AND NOT BEING ABLE TO PAY UP!

WAKE UP AMERICA!!! THE IRS IS BEING MANIPULATED BY FORCES BEYOND the constitutionally mandated laws!

Dr. KENT HOVIND AND HIS WIFE WERE HARRASSED, MANHANDLED, AND INDICTED NOT BECAUSE OF TAX-EVASION! Dr. KENT HOVIND AND HIS WIFE WERE HARRASSED, MANHANDLED, AND INDICTED BECAUSE OF THEIR RELIGION!

What is the difference between a tax evader and a bankrupt missionary? A tax evader earns money from his profession and spends 100% of it on his materials needs and lusts and evades the IRS. A bankrupt missionary conducts FREE seminars on "GOD AS THE ALMIGHTY CREATOR OF MAN AND THE WHOLE UNIVERSE" and never get paid, never earn a penny, and spends his time, money, and life on PREACHING "GOD AS THE ALMIGHTY CREATOR OF MAN AND THE WHOLE UNIVERSE".

DR. KENT HOVIND IS INNOCENT ! WAKE UP AMERICA ! DR. HOVIND IS A PROPHET IN YOUR MIDST ! COME JUDGMENT DAY, ALL OF YOU WHO SCOFF AT DR. HOVIND'S TEACHINGS SHALL FACE THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST AND AMONG THOSE WHO WILL RULE WITH CHRIST WILL BE PREACHERS AND PROPHETS.

Most americans have several credit cards and use those plasticcards to buy material things to satisfy their needs and desires.... BUT NOT ALL CREDIT CARD HOLDERS CAN PAY THEIR CREDIT CARD BILLS AND THOSE BILLS ACCUMULATE OVER THE YEARS... THEN THEY APPLY FOR BANKRUPTCY... THEN THE COURT NODS AND APPROVE THEIR APPLICATION FOR BANKRUPTCY AFTER SPENDING HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS AND NOT BEING ABLE TO PAY UP!

WAKE UP AMERICA!!! THE IRS IS BEING MANIPULATED BY FORCES BEYOND the constitutionally mandated laws!

Dr. KENT HOVIND AND HIS WIFE WERE HARRASSED, MANHANDLED, AND INDICTED NOT BECAUSE OF TAX-EVASION! Dr. KENT HOVIND AND HIS WIFE WERE HARRASSED, MANHANDLED, AND INDICTED BECAUSE OF THEIR RELIGION!

What is the difference between a tax evader and a bankrupt missionary? A tax evader earns money from his profession and spends 100% of it on his materials needs and lusts and evades the IRS. A bankrupt missionary conducts FREE seminars on "GOD AS THE ALMIGHTY CREATOR OF MAN AND THE WHOLE UNIVERSE" and never get paid, never earn a penny, and spends his time, money, and life on PREACHING "GOD AS THE ALMIGHTY CREATOR OF MAN AND THE WHOLE UNIVERSE".

DR. KENT HOVIND IS INNOCENT ! WAKE UP AMERICA ! DR. HOVIND IS A PROPHET IN YOUR MIDST ! COME JUDGMENT DAY, ALL OF YOU WHO SCOFF AT DR. HOVIND'S TEACHINGS SHALL FACE THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST AND AMONG THOSE WHO WILL RULE WITH CHRIST WILL BE PREACHERS AND PROPHETS.

He could have set up a 501c3 and been tax exempt for alot of the taxes except employee, however when dealing with a church you should automatically be exempt anyways. I think what alot of americans dont understand is that the irs is a collection agency for private bankers (the federal reserve)and what you think is going on in this country is not what is really going on. Read the book "The Creature from Jekyll Island" by G. Edward Griffin. That being said, if you go up against the irs, I doubt that you will win, even though what they are doing is wrong.

Not even Jesus dared to cheat the state :) I guess Hovind "forgot" to give the "caesar" whats his :)Anyway if you ppl belive in the Big Bang you should have your heads checked not ppl that belive some guy saved 2 of all "kinds" of animals in a ship...hmm nevermind :D

all i have to say is that hovind's material has greatly incouraged my faith in God while living in a world filled with such doubt and hopelessness Cut the guy a break we all fall short of the glory of God

A question for all of you writing: Say you lived in a foreign country and they gave you big book on the Laws of the land and you became a new citizen there. Once there you begin to look into the laws and you find that the government does not require you to pay certain taxes. You look around and to your amazement no one seems to be taking advantage of this, simply because they are ignorant of it. Which is not hard to believe since I can prove in a matter of minutes the reality of the above situation. I challenge all of you to go to any high school of your choice (secular or not) and ask any 10 students if they can even recite to you the 10 Amendments, or even one. Better yet see if even one of them has ever read our Constitution. Not the first 8 words, but actually read it...Have all of you? I talk with people and students in the DODD's schools quite regularly and one would think that of all students that the kids from the Department Of Defense schools could surely quote one or has at the least read the Constitution. But I find it a sad truth today that the only people I can get those answers from with any regularity are actually immigrants who must know about our country to even become citizens. Note this one thing, with little doubt by all of your speech; either for or against this man it becomes apparent that none of you have even read one law or precedent regarding the said tax violations. I would be impressed if any of you could even quote from memory any of the 10 amendments or for the Christian the 10 Commandments without looking it up, when in fact I know that if you are from the generation of having been in public schools in the 70's -80's or after you would in most cases have been at the least introduced to them in school. I hope the tone of my speech is inoffensive for I do not intend it to be offensive, just corrective (It has been said: Wise men will gladly receive correction but fools will mock). I believe also as a Non-commissioned Officer (NCO) of the United States Military that if one is to effectively lead or succeed one must get the following down clearly. And that is respect for others regardless of your/their belief. Many of you here are doing nothing more than opening your mouth with all disrespect and mocking. It is clear from both sides. Both the ones on here that calls themselves "Christian" and do shame their own Lord with impatient and corrupt communication as well as those who clearly oppose their belief. No position warrants abusive speech. One thing all members of the military must learn and in fact is a part of the primary Creed of an NCO is that one must be in control of their emotions at all times and that no judgment or action should be made from an emotional stand point. Even the bible says to "be angry and sin not". Let me tell each of you what I tell my troops: If your authority is from other men’s mouths and not from law, regulation, General Order, Technical Order or written instruction, keep your mouth closed and you will surely lead in the Military and in the Civilian sector. But if you choose gossip and use poor speech (foul language and demeaning speech) you will fail and only fools will follow. If you have the Law to back you, none can stand against you and they must eventually submit or change the law. I also know first hand how the Law can be used unlawfully. The military is full of multiple two edged swords that can be used to defend or crush an issue in the military. The NCO must use it rightly, but I know none of you are dumb and know that if a law can be twisted or used wrongly some one will do just that. Even after this message is posted here, I am certain some of you will do this very thing and use my words in a manner not intended and will loosely quote me and use my words for foolish talk. But in the end it will still be a lie and you will have learned nothing. But for those of you who choose to learn, you will change and grow and make a difference in others lives. We all must learn things, only fools believe otherwise.

Taxes on his missionary deals? What are you talking about? Dr. Kent Hovind is innocent! He doesn't bring any harm to your life, so why be against him?!Be careful on your judgements of a God's worker, for you will be judged for every word you speak against God's children!Just wait until you'll be called to be judged by God...Boy, will HE BE MAD!

Hey fellows, did you ever read the 10 ammendmens? Or at least the first one? Well i sure did, it clearly tells you that you have the freedom of speech and religion!!! Where is that freedom your talking about? Where did that rule go? I think that before judging Dr. Hovind you should read the first ammendment of the United States, again, freedom of speech and religion. Think about what just happened...on the 9th of January will be an unforgettable day if he is signed to be put in prison for the rest of his life.

Where are you personally at with the creator of the universe? Do you know Him personally? If you died tonight where would your soul go heaven or hell? And why? If you say heaven, is it based upon the truth of God's Holy Word the bible. The bible is truth! In order to be saved from eternal damnation (hell) you must be in right standing with Jesus (and Jesus of the bible not a made up one). We are ALL sinners. Just look at the 10 commandments: have you ever lied? (be honest) have you ever stolen anything (no matter what it is worth)? Have you ever looked upon another with lust? (Jesus said that is committing adultry). That is just 3 of the 10. Would you be innocent or guilty on judgement day? Guilty!! As we all are. That is why Jesus the Christ came down from heaven to pay our punishment on the cross for our sins. Because in order to get into heaven we must be perfect (as the bible states). That is why Jesus paid the fine on the cross for you, we could never do it ourselves. The bible states our sins are as filthy rags! You must accept Him as your Lord and Savior in order to be saved. Saved from what? Hell! Jesus loved you so much that He came down and paid your fine that you committed against Him. Everyone will give an account to God when he/she dies. Will He recognize you as friend or foe? Please honestly search your heart for the truth, it is right in front of you!!

"There is ONE God and ONE mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus" 1 Timothy 2:5

As far has Hovind is concerned, please pray for Him as he is being persecuted right now. And before anyone points a finger at him look at your heart and how evil it is before God! You are a sinner just like him.

listen , you blinded idiotsyou see the truth and you reject it because you reject someone over you and you are afriad of the truth. life cannot form from non living materials. it never has and never will. you all know that. if you reject the truth because you have been corrupted by teachers, professors, or schools then start opening your eyes to see what the evolutionist do not want you to see because they no their theory is faith based and impossible.

"Give to Ceasar what is Ceasar's?" this is a very foolish comment, which doesn't really fit with Hovind's case! Your time(you get money for time) does not, and your life does not belong to Ceasar(so are Hovind's, or his employers', especially in a Church related area's), after watching the video linked above(http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4312730277175242198&q=Freedom+to+Fascism&hl=en

) I am skeptical about Hovind's case being the same as the one Jesus was referring to....maybe Jesus was talking about something a little different, like a profit tax....I think Jesus would have done the same thing Hovind did, in fact I don't really recall Jesus paying his taxes, from his ministry.....

< I HOPE ALL OF YOU CALL YOURSELVES AMERICAN WILL TAKE A MINUTE TO DO A BIT OF RESEARCH BEFORE TRYING TO GET THE SPECK OF DUST OUT OF SOMEONE ELSES EYE. I KNOW FOR SURE THAT THE FEDERAL RESERVE AND THE IRS ARE EVIL AND THE IRS OPERATES UNLAWFULLY. GOOGLE IT AND CHECK INTO IT. WWW.UHUH.COM/WORTHY/MCFAD.HTM THE TRUTH IS THE IRS HAS ILLEGALLY BEEN TAXING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE FOR THEIR LABOR. THIS IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND THE ONLY WAY THAT SUCH A TAX IS LEGAL ACCORDING TO THE SUPREME COURT IS IF YOU HAVE THIS TAX APPORTIONED. ( OR DIVIDED AMONG THE AMERICAN PEOPLE)

AS AMERICANS (IF YOU REALLY ARE) AND BELIEVE IN WHAT OUR FOUNDING FATHERS STOOD FOR AND MANY OTHERS DIED FOR SHOULD STAND UP AND FIGHT THE FEDERAL RESERVE AND THE IRS.

PLEASE DO A LITTLE RESEARCH AND SEE THAT A CENTRAL BANK SYSTEM CONTROLS OUR COUNTRY.

I DON'T KNOW THE PARTICULARS, BUT I AM INCLINED TO BELIEVE THAT WITH DR. HOVIND THIS IS ANOTHER CASE OF BEING SCAMMED BY THE IRS. FOR CRITICS OF WHAT I SAY GET YOUR LAZY WORTHLESS BUT IN GEAR AND DO SOME RESEARCH BEFORE AMERICA BECOMES WHAT OUR FOUNDING FATHERS WARNED US IT WOULD BECOME.

Kent Hovin is a great man, and has been teaching that we came from God and not a rock, what's wrong with that.The IRS is not even a legal government agentcy, people don't have a clue what the truth is, they just believe what they have been told all their life, not what the law really says.

Kent Hovind has been in trouble with law enforcement several times. These have included assault and battery, falsely declaring bankruptcy, making threats against federal officials, filing false complaints, failing to get necessary building permits, and various tax-related charges.

[edit] Assault and battery

In 2002, he was charged with one count of felony assault, one count of misdemeanor battery, and one count of burglary with assault/battery.[23] In December 2002, the charges were dropped by the alleged victim, Hovind's secretary.[19]

[edit] Property taxes and zoning ordinance

Hovind was charged on September 13, 2002, for failure to observe county zoning regulations with respect to Dinosaur Adventure Land.[19] Despite arguments that the owners did not need a permit due to the nature of the building,[24] the park has been found in violation of local regulations. On June 5, 2006, Hovind pled nolo contendere as charged to three counts: constructing a building without a permit, refusing to sign a citation (Case # 2001 MM 023489 A)[25] and violating the county building code (Case # 2002 MM 026670 A)[26]. Hovind was ordered to pay $225.00 per count. The plea brought to an end the 5-year criminal (misdemeanor) court battle over a $50.00 building permit. The 4-year civil court battle with the county remains open (Case # 2002 CA 000149)[27]. Hovind estimates he spent $40,000 in legal expenses on this case. On June 19, 2006, the delinquent 2003-2005 property taxes/penalties for Dinosaur Adventure Land were paid in an amount of $10,402.64 [6].

Hovind does not run his various educational and religious activities through a U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) organization. Instead, the organizational structure he uses apparently is "based on various questionable trust documents purchased from ... a known promoter of tax avoidance schemes."[7] The U.S. Tax Court has concluded that Hovind used these trust documents as well as other fraudulent means to conceal the ownership and control of his activities and properties.[7]

Hovind was originally reported to the IRS by Pensacola Christian College senior vice president Rebekah Horton in the mid 1990s, after she learned of Hovind's anti-tax stand. "'We know the Scriptures do not promote (tax evasion),'" Horton said in testimony against Hovind during his 2006 trial, "'It's against Scripture teaching'.... Horton believed it was the college's duty to report the misleading doctrine. 'I didn't want to see innocent people get led astray,' she said. Pensacola Christian College then decided its students no longer were permitted to work with Creation Science Evangelism".[28]

In 1996 Hovind unsuccessfully filed for bankruptcy to avoid paying federal income taxes. Hovind was found to have lied about his possessions and income[29]. He claimed that as a minister of God everything he owns belonged to God and he is not subject to paying taxes to the United States on the money he received for doing God's work (citing US tax code §508(c)(1)(a)) [30]. The court ordered him to pay the money and upheld the IRS determination that Hovind's claim "was filed in bad faith for the sole purpose of avoiding payment of federal income taxes." In the ruling, the judge called Hovind's arguments "patently absurd." The judge also noted that "the IRS has no record of the debtor ever having filed a federal income tax return," although this was not the court's reason for denying the bankruptcy claim.

On May 13, 1998, Hovind and his wife attempted to evade all responsibility for any previous promises, debts, or legal agreements made prior to April 15, 1998, by filing a document called "Power of Attorney and Revocation of Signature"[31] with the Escambia County Clerk of Courts. The document reads, in part: "I/we do hereby revoke and make void... all signatures on any instruments...". The Hovinds claimed they had signed government documents "due to the use of various elements of fraud and misrepresentations, duress, coercion, under perjury, mistake, 'bankruptcy'."[31]

In the document, the Hovinds argue that Social Security is essentially a "Ponzi scheme."[31] The Hovinds referred to the United States Government as "the 'bankrupt' corporate government" and said they were renouncing their United States citizenship and Social Security numbers to become "a natural citizen of 'America' and a natural sojourner." [31] In 2002 Hovind was again delinquent in paying his taxes, and unsuccessfully sued the IRS for harassment.[32] The Hovinds referred to their home state of Florida as "the State of Florida Body-Politic Corporation."[31] Judges and the IRS did not appear to honor this as a legally relevant document in future decisions.[32]

In 2004, IRS agents raided Hovind's home and business to confiscate financial records.[33] IRS agent Scott Schneider said none of Hovind's businesses had a business license, nor tax-exempt status. The Associated Press quoted Schneider as saying "Since 1997, Hovind has engaged in financial transactions indicating sources of income and has made deposits to bank accounts well in excess of $1 million per year during some of these years, which would require the filing of federal income taxes."[34] On June 3, 2004, the IRS issued tax liens of $504,957.24 against Hovind and his son and their businesses due to previous legal maneuverings to evade taxation by moving property between himself, his son, and other legal entities.[35]

In 2004, IRS agents raided Hovind's home and business to confiscate financial records.[33] IRS agent Scott Schneider said none of Hovind's businesses had a business license, nor tax-exempt status. The Associated Press quoted Schneider as saying "Since 1997, Hovind has engaged in financial transactions indicating sources of income and has made deposits to bank accounts well in excess of $1 million per year during some of these years, which would require the filing of federal income taxes."[34] On June 3, 2004, the IRS issued tax liens of $504,957.24 against Hovind and his son and their businesses due to previous legal maneuverings to evade taxation by moving property between himself, his son, and other legal entities.[35]

On July 11, 2006, Hovind was charged in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida in Pensacola with twelve counts of willful failure to collect, account for, and pay over Federal income taxes and FICA taxes under 26 U.S.C. § 7202, forty-five counts of knowingly structuring transactions in Federally-insured financial institutions to evade the reporting requirements of 31 U.S.C. § 5313(a), in violation of 31 U.S.C. § 5324, 18 U.S.C. § 2 and 31 C.F.R. sec. 103.11, and one count of corruptly endeavoring to obstruct and impede the administration of the internal revenue laws under 26 U.S.C. § 7212.[36] [37] Twelve of the charges are for failing to pay employee-related taxes, totaling $473,818, and 45 of the charges are for evading reporting requirements by making multiple cash withdrawals just under the $10,000 reporting requirement (smurfing). The withdrawals, totaling $430,500, were placed in 2001 and 2002.[37]

The government charged that Hovind falsely listed the IRS as his only creditor in his bankruptcy, filed a false and frivolous lawsuit against the IRS in which he demanded damages for criminal trespass, made threats of harm to those investigating him and to those who might consider cooperating with the investigation, filed a false complaint against IRS agents investigating him, filed a false criminal complaint against IRS special agents (criminal investigators), and destroyed records.[38]

After the indictment, Hovind maintained his innocence. "I still don't understand what I'm being charged for and who is charging me," he said.[37] Magistrate Miles Davis asked Hovind if he wrote and spoke English, to which Hovind responded "To some degree". Davis replied that the government adequately explained the allegations and the defendant understands the charges "whether you want to admit it or not."[39] An October 17th trial date (originally September 5th) was set for Kent Hovind and his co-defendant wife, Jo, who faces 44 charges.[40] Hovind stated that he did not recognize the government's right to try him on tax-fraud charges. At first he attempted to enter a plea of "subornation of false muster," but then entered a not guilty plea "under duress" when the judge offered to enter a plea for him.[32]

At the time of the arrest, Magistrate Davis, "over Kent Hovind's protests[,] ... took away his passport and [the] guns Hovind claimed belonged to his church...." Hovind argued that he needed his passport to continue his evangelism work. He said "thousands and thousands" were waiting to hear him preach in South Africa the following month. But Davis sided with Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Heldmyer, who argued that "like-minded people" might secret Hovind away if he left the country. In relation to the guns, Davis said "ownership was not the issue." [41] Because of reports of weapons in the Hovind compound, the indictment was originally sealed for fear that "the arrest of the defendants in this case could pose some danger to agents."[42] More than a half-dozen guns were seized at the Hovind's home, including an SKS semiautomatic rifle. [43] Also "During an IRS raid at the home, agents found cash stashed 'all over the place.' About $42,000 was seized."[43]

It was revealed during the trial that Jo Hovind had requested financial assistance from Baptist Healthcare claiming that the Hovinds had no income. "'Dr. and Mrs. Kent Hovind do not earn salaries,' wrote Martha Harris, the trust secretary of Creation Science Evangelism to Baptist. 'As health insurance is not provided for this couple, we would appreciate (financial assistance).'" [44] However, continues the article "Kent Hovind, a tax protester, makes a substantial amount of money" see above [7]. "On the day the IRS searched the Hovind home, Kent Hovind withdrew $70,000 from the Creation Science Evangelism account. Half in a check; the other in cash. [45].

At the time of the indictment, Hovind's defense appeared to be that although there were 30 people working for him, all of whom receive remuneration in cash, none of them were employees. According to Hovind, "Nobody's an employee, and they all know that when they come. They come, they work ... The laborer is worthy of his hire -- we try to take the purely scriptural approach. We do the best we can with helping people with their family needs. There are no employees here."[46] Hovind has also claimed that he is not liable for taxes and his ministry does not have to "render unto Caesar" because his workers are "missionaries" not "employees".[47]

On October 21, 2006, the trial began in which he hoped to convince a jury that his amusement park admission and merchandise sales belonged to God and cannot be taxed.[48] After the first week of testimony the trial was postponed due to a defense lawyer's illness.[49] Former and current workers, IRS agents, a bank employee, and a lawyer of a non-profit Christian organization testified in the trial. Workers testified that they had to punch time cards, had vacation and sick days; while others testified Hovind claimed he had "beat" the tax system.[50] During the trial, the judge "admonished" Hovind's attorney for wasting time and asking irrelevant questions.[51]

The trial concluded on November 1st with the defense deciding not to present a case.[52] After closing arguments were presented on November 2nd, the jury deliberated three hours before finding the Hovinds guilty on all counts.[53] The Pensacola News Journal noted, "The saddest thing: Had they cooperated with the agents, they probably wouldn't be worrying about prison sentences now."[54] Jo was released on bond, and Kent, considered a flight risk, will be held until sentencing, which takes place January 9, 2007.

MR Hovind is a fake and a liar, he got less than he deserved.I would hang the fucker but that's me just being christian.I hope Bubba rides his ass in the cell.If their is a god MR Hovind will be getting fried.I thank you :p

Our American forefathers originally set this country up so that federal taxes were not to be paid by Americans who lived outside the Federal Jurisdiction of D.C. Only those who lived within (mainly our gov'nt "public servants") the jurisdiction were required to pay taxes to the Fed. However, when our nation's leaders began to get us all into debt in the early 1900s, because of their wasteful and irresponsible spending, they turned to the American people to make them pay for the "national debt." The IRS was formed and soon everyone was being forced to pay a portion of their wages to the ever-increasingly growing big gov. Several generations went by and no one knew how the system was before it was corrupted and history was "changed." Don't believe this? Check it out for yourself; do your own research.

I do agree that Hovind should have reported and paid the taxes on his employees, since he had not taken a 501c 3 exemption, and that he should have filed for whatever necessary building permits for safety's sake, but there is a lot more going on here than most Americans today realize. Most of us don't know our county's true history. Anyone who wants to learn the true story of how our nation was set up and how important the American Constitution is, see www.infowars.com.

Thank You, Lord, that through the death Jesus went through on my behalf, I am free from the deep burden of MY sins, even this very moment as I sit here at home, typing this, here on this web site. Work in our hearts, that we would seek, and know, Truth. Maranatha, amen.

Listen,.. all you Christians who say that Dr, Hovind is a wolf in sheeps clothing, might want to do some research on this man's life. Dr. Hovind has dedicated his life to the knowlage of the scriptures and science, and seeing peoples lives changed by knowing that truth. Compare your lifesong to God, with Dr. Hovind's lifesong to God, and then try pointing the finger again. I have known Dr. Hovind to travel to churches and speak for absoulutely nothing, just so that people might come to know Christ. I have followed Dr. Hovind since I came from prision to ministry, and I have held small group bible studies in our church with his videos. I know that I have a personal relationship with Christ, and if Dr. Hovind is a wolf in sheeps clothing then so am I, and many other Pastors just like me. I pray that God will truley open your eyes to see situations and people the way He sees them.

When you break the law, you break the law. How can anyone claim not paying taxes is ok? You all still defend him!!! Wow!! Wake up...anyone can fall. Yes, even Mr. Hovind. Just because he falls and won't admit it, doesn't mean you should believe that when he jumped off the cliff he was doing a great work for Got!!! No, he just killed his witness :( God will raise up others.

As the bible says - we do not fight against the flesh but against powers. Those that are fighting against Hovind are not to blame for this - but the spirit that is behind it. The spirit that is trying to dismiss what Hovind is standing for - which is the truth of the bible...that is satan. God VERY CLEARLY states in His Word that we shall not change what the bible says. Yes, it takes a GREAT amount of faith to believe in the bible and all that God says happened. I would rather believe literally every thing that the bible says than believe what a clever man half prooved to be right. Dr. Hovind makes a believable argument, but even without his argument, i would still believe in Noah's flood and creation because GOD SAID SO! Is there no more fear for God in this world that people can so easily dismis Him. Isnt it even more amazing how not even satan's spirit and lies can remove God's love from those who believe the lies?? Jesus asked us to take up our crosses (this is not a burden but rather the willingness to suffer for His truth if need be) and I think that Dr. Hovind will be receiving his reward in heaven for sticking to his guns - and no persecution on earth is going to change that - Praise God!

I work on an oil drilling rig. We drill for oil. It is considered a natural resource. It is also a commonly held belief that oil comes from what was once living matter such as animals, dinosaurs, vegetation and the sort. We drill 10,000 feet down before we hit oil here in Eastern Montana.

How do you suppose that oil got down there. How do you suppose the once living creatures that were turned into oil got 10,000 feet down under the surface of the earth?Read Genesis in the Bible and you will find the perfect answer. Most people don't realize the tremendous change that our earth went through when God dropped the 7th layer of the atmosphere to gather the clouds and the continents that he separated and nearly turned upside down when He opened up the fountains of the deep.

Dave from Canada,I have watched many of Kent Hovind's videos and although not a rocket scientist his work is typically well researched and he has lead many people to the salvation that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. Clearly Christians need to obey the laws of the land and made a bad decision in not treated his workers as employees and collecting/paying taxes on their behalf. We God continue to use Kent Hovind, without a doubt, and God will do a good work in Dr. Hovind lives through this tragic for God has promised that he will be faithful to complete the work he has started in the heart of all Christian, Dr. Hovind included. Pray for him and his family.

WHAT THE HELL!?! Kent is in PRISON!??!1They're probably scared of him! He was making too much sense and causing too many questions to arise!It's probably because he revealed the fact that the governments are working towards the NEW WORLD ORDER!!I cannot believe that the one man who dedicates his life to God and saving our damned souls, plus bringing the actual truthbefore us, gets bloody arrested!How dare they!?Come judgement day, and all ye that scoff at the prohpet shall be judged accordingly, and will be SENT,sent to the eternal lake of fire!!

No one can deny the evidence that he has put forth to support creation, otherwise that $250 000prize-money would have been claimed already!

The bible states that in THE END OF DAYS there will be scoffers! I see enough around usto cause armageddon tenfold!

Please help pray for Dr. Dino, so that he can be freed and continue his work!

I sure this guy is guilty of being honest of what he truly belives in. I belive him. But I think that if he just abided by the rules he probably would do a better job spreding the word out of jail then in jail. Like it or not it is OUR goverment and the only way we (Americans) can change it is by getting more involved in it...Vote!...Vote! ...Vote!...

Kent Hovind did a great job. I wish he paid taxes. Spread the Word in prison bro, and when get out start all over again, pay taxes, do what the system wants and dont give them again an opportunity to shut your ministry down. (London)

Go Lorna!! We all have the remember he is just a human being & still sins. Gob bless him for all the great work he's done to bring people to Christ. Jesus is coming soon, & boy will He be mad.Do what you can & help get people saved.

I agree, Kent is totally innocent, the Government is being taken over by satan. Every word Kent teaches exposing the lies of satan and the truth of God are spot on. Wake up People the NWO is brainwashing you!

Hovind is a honest person, his work and love for science is amazing, i agree with him. the money that he got from his ministry is Gods money.Its sometimes frustrating to find out that the U.S government doesn't understand that.

Hovind is a honest person, his work and love for science is amazing, i agree with him. the money that he got from his ministry is Gods money.Its sometimes frustrating to find out that the U.S government doesn't understand that.